Brisbane Bullets coach Justin Schueller hopes the return of an Aron Baynes-led "three-headed monster" can supercharge his team's NBL resurgence.
Baynes is back for Thursday night's home clash with South East Melbourne Phoenix, having completed a five-game suspension for his ugly round-two stoush with the Cairns Taipans.
The former NBA championship-winning centre's return leaves the Bullets just one man short of a full-strength line-up, with import guard Shannon Scott (hamstring) still out of action.
Josh Bannan and DJ Mitchell have also spent time on the sidelines during a disjointed start to Schueller's first season at the helm.
But the Bullets (4-4) have steadied the ship, ending a four-game losing skid with back-to-back wins over Perth and Tasmania in round five.
Now Baynes' comeback is set to take them to a new level as he suits up in partnership with fellow bigs Tyrell Harrison and Rocco Zikarsky.
Standing in their way is South East Melbourne import Alan Williams, who dominated when the Phoenix handed Brisbane a 96-73 hiding in round four.
"To be able to go back to the 'three-headed monster', as we like to refer to it, is definitely going to help us," Schueller said.
"The other part is we've learnt how to play and survive without Baynesy.
"To be able to add a piece like that now in a ball game where (Phoenix) are really rolling - they're playing some great basketball - it's going to be a red-hot contest."
The NBL tribunal found Baynes guilty of excessive disputing, unsportsmanlike conduct and an abnormal or unacceptable act after his clashes with Cairns opponent Lat Mayen and head coach Adam Forde.
The experienced big man is eager to get back involved in the Bullets' push for a finals berth.
"He'll be champing at the bit," Schueller said after Sunday's 90-87 home win over Tasmania.
"We're only one piece shy now (without Scott), so it's exciting to have (Baynes) back.
"It's a pretty quick turnaround for us into Thursday but it will be really good to be able to integrate him in for that one."
Bullets swingman Sam McDaniel expects teammates to get a boost from Baynes' return to the floor.
"We'll take a big lift from having one of our leaders back," McDaniel said.
"Whatever he contributes is a bonus. He's been great leading the guys off the court at the moment and we'll continue to look to him for leadership.
"Playing through adversity and guys being in positions they're not used to being in, kind of figuring it out on the fly, only equips us to be more versatile as a group."
The Bullets face South East Melbourne at Nissan Arena before the second game of a round-six double-header against Tasmania in Launceston on Saturday.
